Chapter 10: What Should Be…

As it turned out, Aragorn and Legolas were known by the Elves and as they stood on large wooden platforms suspended high above the ground they were greeted in a better fashion. Although Naomi had no idea what was being said to Legolas and Aragorn, for it was in a foreign language.

"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion," The apparent leader of the troop of elves spoke to Legolas and moved his hand in a sort of greeting gesture.

"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien," Legolas replied nodding his head a little. The leader then turned to Aragorn appraising him before addressing him.

"Ah, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen," He gave Aragorn the same hand gesture, with his hand swinging gently out before him.

"Haldir," Aragorn replied nodding his head and returned the gesture pleasantly, though Gimli was not happy.

"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can all understand!" Haldir, Naomi decided was his name, turned to face the Dwarf darkly.

"We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days," Apparently it wasn't just Legolas and Gimli that didn't get on, it was Dwarves and Elves in general.

"And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" Whatever Gimli had said it obviously wasn't called for as Haldir rose up and glared down his nose at the Dwarf. Aragorn was not pleased with the turn of events and turned to grab Gimli's arm.

"That was not so courteous," He said with his eyebrows pulled down low. Haldir meanwhile had moved on and was inspecting the rest of the Fellowship, his eyes judging them all. Naomi found she held her breath as he looked over her and Tess, who stood leaning against Naomi still breathing harder than usual after the horrendous climb up to the platforms. The rope ladders had looked very fragile but were strong enough to hold them all it seemed. Haldir moved on and his eyes found Frodo, he seemed to stiffen and spoke urgently with an undertone of slight fear.

"You bring great evil with you," after a split second of thought he turned to Aragorn and told them they could go no further into the woods. Of course Aragorn wouldn't have that and while the rest of the Fellowship took to sitting down, the Ranger argued in Elvish to Haldir. Tess shivered beside Naomi and pulled her friend's dark blue cloak tighter around her body, but remained with her eyes closed peacefully. With Tess settled against a tree Naomi stood and made her way over to Legolas, who stood a little distance from Aragorn and Haldir. He nodded at her once before turning back to look at their surroundings, to which Naomi joined him in.

"I missed the trees while we were in the mines," she tried for small talk after what felt to her like hours of awkward silence.

"As did I…my birthplace is that of Mirkwood, or Greenwood the Great as it used to be called, vast and deep with many thousands of trees, ruled justly by King Thanduil," Legolas' eyes grew soft as he drifted back to his memories. Naomi watched his face with a small smile, her heart fluttering when she caught herself staring at the Elf's lips for longer than necessary and she flushed red when she found that Legolas had been watching her as well. Clearing her throat slightly she looked away and thought of something to say.

"O-One of my old friends, in my other world, decided he wanted to be a lumberjack," Naomi mentally berated herself as Legolas looked hurt and confused, though he tried to hide it by nodding and looking back out to the tree.

'Oh yeah sure! Talk to the tree hugging Elf about how I'm buddies with someone that cuts them down! Nice work Naomi!'

Little did she know it was not the cutting down of trees that had Legolas so depressed, he had little idea of what a 'lumberjack' was in the first place. No, the only thing HE was upset about was the fact that Naomi had talked of this 'lumberjack' in such a crestfallen tone. Worse still it was a man she was talking of.

Had she been in love with him? Had they been courting to be engaged? A great number of questions ran through the distressed blonde's mind and all because she had mentioned she knew another man in the world (or rather…her old world).

In a desperate attempt to change the subject of killing trees and break the thick silence Naomi blurted out a question that had been hanging in the back of her mind.

"So…what were you and that Haldir guy saying before?" This changed the Elf's features and he looked back to her with surprise and…was that joy she could see in the back of his stunning blue eyes?

"He welcomed me and I told him that our Fellowship was in debt for his generosity, for allowing us into Lothlòrien,"

"Oh…and what does Thandoolan mean?" Legolas chuckled at her terrible pronunciation and explained how to say it properly.

"Thranduil is the name of my father,"

"I see," Naomi nodded and Legolas mentally counted as pieces started to connect in the blonde woman's mind.

"Wait…Thranduil as in King Thranduil? As in King of Mirkwood? As in the King of Mirkwood is your father?" the Elf smile as Naomi stumbled through and nodded gently at her correct assumptions.

"But that would make you a- t-the Prince of Mirkwood?" Naomi was baffled and her voice squeaked on the word 'Prince'. Legolas Greenleaf, the never misses a shot, kind and caring, beautiful Elf member of the Fellowship…was a Prince.

"That's…cool," Naomi managed weakly and she almost flinched when Legolas started to say something, but it was interrupted by Haldir commanding them to follow him.

"I-I have to get Tess," She muttered before she turned and all but ran to her weary friend whom was already halfway to her feet. Naomi ran to her right side and took her arm, trying to swallow the lump in her throat and stop the twisting of her already knotted insides.

A group made of the Fellowship, Haldir and several other Elves walked single file through the forest with Haldir leading them. An Elf who's name Naomi did not know walked behind him, then Aragorn, Gimli, Merry and Pippin, then Boromir, Tess and Naomi. Frodo and Sam were behind her and Legolas followed with three Elves behind him. Boromir kept looking over his shoulder to make sure Tess was alright and the fact that he would look past Naomi to Legolas every time proved her assumption that the blonde Elf was indeed boring a hole into her back with his eyes. After what seemed like hours the group pulled to a stop at the top of a hill that spread millions of trees and the horizon before them. The sun was just setting and it cast a golden glow on everything, especially the massive trees on the next hill. They were far bigger than any of the others surrounding and Naomi felt her jaw drop at the beauty of it all.

"Caras Galadhon, the heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light," Haldir's voice invaded Naomi's mind and she stored away the information. The walking was not over, but once they were under the colossal trees Naomi found that she didn't care for her aching feet and tried only to watch where she was walking and look about at the same time. Winding staircases curled around the enormous trees and platforms hung suspended way up in the canopy. The last rays of sunset died and lights were lit, their white, blue glow making everything that more magical. Several Elves watched them as they made their way up and up and up, passed several platforms before Naomi found a great Palace before them. It glowed with silvery lights and Naomi found her jaw dropping again at the beauty of it. A walkway curved around inside, with a gap in the middle that make Naomi shuffle nervously instead of walk. Haldir lead them around to an archway, under it a staircase with thirteen stairs (Naomi had counted them to get her mind off the fact that if she took one step back she would be falling to her death). The group stood calmly as Haldir moved to the side, and they all looked up when two figures clad in white and pale blue robes joined hands before making their way down to the second last step. Naomi marveled at the two, no doubt Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. She was snapped out of her ogling when Lord Celeborn spoke, and the words were not comforting to know.

"The enemy knows you are here, what hope you had in secrecy is now gone," Naomi felt her heart sink and by the look of Aragorn's bowed head he was not pleased with this news either. Lord Celeborn continued to talk, and this time not only do it make Naomi flinch, but it made her already low heart sink even further and melt into the floor.

"Ten there are here, yet not the original ten that set out from Rivendell…tell me where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him, I can no longer see him from afar," Lady Galadriel's head rose as she turned her striking blue eyes on Aragorn.

"He has fallen into Shadow," She whispered softly, eyes wide set in her perfect pale face. Despite the current situation Naomi felt absolutely shattered, this woman's fair skin, blue eyes and long blonde hair made Naomi feel like a moss covered rock next to a rainbow.

Legolas spoke up beside her, his voice filled with sadness.

"He was taken by both Shadow and flame…A Balrog of Morgoth, for we went needlessly into the net of Moria," Beside Tess stood Gimli, and at the mention of the fallen mine the Dwarf lowered his head. Tess' hand gently rested on his shoulder, though he seemed not to notice.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life, we do not yet know his full purpose," Galadriel seemed to know something that the rest of them did not, and Naomi would bet her left leg that she wasn't going to tell them what she knew. The fair Elf then turned her gaze to Gimli who still stood with his head bowed low.

"Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm full your heart, Gimli son of Glóin," The lady's eyes looked passed them all however, as if seeing some far off vision.

"For the world has grown full of peril and in all lands love is now mingled with grief," Her gaze swung round to Boromir who after a few moments quietly gasped out and dropped his head.

"What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost," Celeborn spoke with furrowed brows, as everyone seemed to have nowadays. Out the corner of her eye Naomi saw Tess stiffen and clench her teeth together, her gaze completely focused on Galadriel for several moments. The two women then looked in different directions and Galadriel spoke again, her voice filled with seriousness.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all," Her demeanor changed as she looked down to worried Sam a smile in her eyes and tone.

"Yet hope remains, while the Company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled, go now and rest, for you are weary with much sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace," The Lady waved her hand a several servants came forward with their heads bowed in respect. The one at the front was a woman with her blonde hair tied back in a braid that fell down to her waist, she had kind eyes and wore a small smile.

"If the Ladies will follow me, we have prepared hot baths and…suitable clothing," She said eyeing Tess in particular, though the girl seemed not to notice.

"Yes please!" Tess said in happiness, grabbing Naomi's hand and together they followed the blonde woman.

"I am Claoth, and as soon as you are settled I shall fetch your new clothes and temporary clothes for you whilst we mend your old ones," Claoth said kindly as she led them back down some winding staircases until they were in a sort of house only a few meters from the ground. It was formed on top of some of the many thick roots and seemed to melt into the trunk beside it, the line between the two almost invisible. Pale blue cloth hung in a doorway that the three women passed through, into a small closed in room with two doorways on the opposite wall. Claoth turned around and smiled at Naomi, gesturing for her to take the right hand door.

"Just leave your clothes and weapon's at the door and someone will collect them," She told her then ushered a puffing Tess into the other room. Naomi did as instructed and walked through the left hand door, finding herself in a room with high windows and a large silver bath tub filled with steaming water. The sight made her knees wobble in joy.

"Good evening," A light female voice interrupted Naomi's melting and made her jump slightly. To the left of the bathtub there was a screen with white material hung across and standing next to it was a girl with the traditional blue eyes and blonde hair of an elf that was tied back in a long golden ponytail.

"Uhh…hi?" Naomi raised a questioning eyebrow as to why this girl was here and it spooked Naomi when the girl answered what she hadn't asked.

"I am here to help you bathe," She said with a dazzling smile before taking Naomi's arm and pulling her further into the room. By this point Naomi could care less, she just wanted to get in the bath and if this girl was here to get her in there sooner she would welcome her. The girl was very quick; she unbuckled and took away Naomi weapons with nimble fingers and disappeared for only a few moments before she came back with a piece of fabric.

"It has come to my understanding that you are not used to such close treatment, if you would change into this I may help you when you are more comfortable," The girl said with another smile and after passing Naomi the light fabric shift she was gone. Naomi walked behind the white fabric screen and started to strip off her clothing, and when all the layers were gone she pulled on the thin, strapless dress. The soft pale blue fabric felt invisible against her skin and floated gently to just above her ankles. It made every bruise and scratch and dark smudge on her body so much more visible and for a moment Naomi felt as she were far too dirty to be wearing such a pretty thing. Then she walked around to screen and saw the steaming bathtub again and lost all care. The light knock made Naomi turn and she timidly smiled when the girl walked in again.

"Just leave your clothes there and I shall collected them later, if you shall sit here please," Naomi obliged and sat in a white wooden chair at a vanity that was to the right of the bathtub.

"Can I ask your name?" Naomi asked politely as the girl rinsed a cloth in a steaming washbowl.

"I am Sumvia," The petite girl said chirpily as she started to wipe down Naomi's face. The warm cloth rubbed up and down her face several times, peeling away grime and grease that had collected there over a series of weeks. Sumvia finished with Naomi's face and moved on to her chest and arms, then after that briefly wiped down her feet.

"You must be incredibly brave, facing such a long and perilous journey," Sumvia made small talk as she started on the tangled mess known as hair that was attached to the back of Naomi's head. The knot had only really been undone once since Rivendell, and that was after the Fellowship had made it down the mountain of Caradhras so that she could dry out her hair. There never really was any other opportunity that she had taken advantage of to care for it. Naomi promised her poor denied hair that when they next set out she would at least change the style she had it in every once and a while.

Sumvia's fingers weaved through as gently as possible and untangled to horrendous mess. When she was finished she turned around and told Naomi to jump into the bath, whom didn't have to be asked twice. The hot water made Naomi melt in delight and all she had to worry about was staying awake as Sumvia brushed and washed her hair for her. Sweet smelling oils were applied before Sumvia tied Naomi's hair up on top of her head and she moved to the side of the bathtub with a file of sorts and began on Naomi's fingernails. The two chatted for a while and then they were content with silence while Sumvia washed the oils out of Naomi's hair and brushed it again, the long strands hanging over the back of the silver bathtub. When the water started to turn lukewarm Sumvia fetched a towel and wrapped it around the human woman's refreshed body. Naomi was given some undergarments and another silky shift, this one white with tight sleeves that reached her elbows. Sumvia led her to the chair at the vanity again and Naomi sat with a large platter of fruit, cheese, meat and bread whilst Sumvia hummed and worked on her hair again. The beautiful sound of Sumvia's voice had Naomi smiling contently and relaxing for the first time in a very long while. The humming soon turned into slurred Elven words, but for Naomi they were no longer peacefully, but mournful. Other voice's seemed to float into the room and all together the singing became music. Sumvia had paused for a few moments and explained to Naomi that they sang for Gandalf and with the Elven singers continuing on Sumvia sang in a language Naomi could understand.

"Wisest of all Maiar,

What drove you to leave

That which you loved?

Yet we will cast all away

Rather than submit

What should be…,"

Naomi felt tears drip down her face as Sumvia continued to sing and wondered idly what the rest of the Fellowship was feeling right now. A while later Sumvia handed Naomi a dress and told her to go change into it, then she would be free to meet up with her friends again. The silvery dress fell to her feet, with long sleeves that covered her hands and a round neckline. With the addition of some slip-ons the same colour as the dress for her feet Naomi was free to go. Sumvia led Naomi through winding pathways and over a small bridge before stopping at the top of a stone stairway.

"You friends rest down there, bedding materials and food have been provided, should you have need for anything else you will find me over there," Sumvia pointed across the bridge at a small hut like structure with a pale green cloth door.

"Thank you so much Sumvia," Naomi said with a big smile, Sumvia bowed her head before turning and walking back over the bridge. Naomi watched her for a minute then turned and slowly walked down the staircase, blonde hair falling to her waist in a straight wave.

"Ah, how nice of you to grace us with your presence!" Boromir's voice carried across the green clearing to Naomi as she stepped down the last step. The Fellowship either lay or sat under a tree root canopy on mattresses or on the grass next to a glass and stone water feature.

The snore of a Dwarf came from somewhere close by and Naomi found the four Hobbits settling down for the night as well. On the opposite side of the clearing there was another tree root canopy, under which two other bed type structures with blankets waited for she guessed her and Tess. After a quick scan of the area Naomi confirmed the lack of her friend's being.

"She's still being treated for her wounds," Aragorn explained as she walked past him and Boromir to look over the Elven town.

"Oh," Naomi sat down on a stone bench with a sigh and rubbed her eyes.

"Why don't you get some rest?" Boromir suggested gently.

"Nah, I'll wait up for her," Naomi said with a big yawn, Boromir and Aragorn shared a look that Naomi missed. One by one everyone fell asleep until it was just her a Legolas awake, or rather, just Legolas because Naomi had laid down on the stone bench and was barely awake. Legolas smiled and gently picked her up and with no resistance from Naomi carried her to a bed. She didn't wake up when he removed her shoes and only sighed when he pulled the blanket up to her chin.

"Quel kaima...sleep well," He muttered as he brushed a lock of hair away from her face, then he kissed her forehead and went to his own bedding arrangements. After a few minutes Naomi smiled faintly.

"You too,"

SORRRRY! I know that doesn't NEARLY make up for my absence but it's the best I got i'm afraid! I hope to get more chapters cranking again now that i'm back into Lord of the Rings (for the past however long i've been into Eragorn, Inception and Twilight fanfic =3)

Anyways, if any of you are still following me review and or fave, makes me feel goooood XD

Love you all!

AxM